One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules that have an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. Plus, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother, which can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly, preventing the machine from functioning. You will need to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and easy.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the status of your machine, and check how much it has used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing innovation in the industry, and is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that coffee machines with capsules help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and have developed a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.